There is little doubt that at some time in their lifes most little girls (and quite a few boys) will want a pony!
'My Little Pony' shows ponies as cute cuddly creatures, living in a fariy tale land. But what is the reality of giving in to your child's dream?
'My Little Pony' shows ponies as cute cuddly creatures, living in a fariy tale land. But what is the reality of giving in to your child's dream?
If your child has riding lessons, or is lucky enough to ride a friends pony then there will come a time when they will want to have a pony of their own.
Owning a pony will be very expensive, and must be considered carefully.
Owning a pony will be very expensive, and must be considered carefully.
For lots of information about buying and owning a pony visit our sister site www.limebrook.com
Pets4kids
Info4You
Please buy me a pony!
Taking on a horse or pony is not something to be done lightly. This is probably the most expensive pet you could buy, and it will cost a lot to keep day on day, week by week. Buying the wrong pony for your child's age and level of riding ability could be very dangerous - your child may get seriously injured by a fall.
Ponies need to be exercised regularly to keep them safe to ride - your child will need to be able to ride 4 times a week or more to keep the pony calm and exercised.
Ponies need to be exercised regularly to keep them safe to ride - your child will need to be able to ride 4 times a week or more to keep the pony calm and exercised.
If your child is 14 or over then they probably are at the age when they can take responsibility for a horse or pony themself. Any younger and you, as the parent, will need to supervise what is being done both in horse care terms, and in riding.
A bad combination is a pony mad child with parents who don't know anything about ponies. Ponies can weigh around half a ton - they need handling by experienced people to keep them under control.
A bad combination is a pony mad child with parents who don't know anything about ponies. Ponies can weigh around half a ton - they need handling by experienced people to keep them under control.
If you really are considering buying a pony for your child consider the following:
Can your child ride? If not, it is essential that they learn first! Book a series of riding lessons at a local riding school. If they can ride, tell their instructor your plans, and ask for their advice. They may know of a suitable pony for sale, or can give you some ideas. If they advise waiting until your child is a better rider please take their advice.
If you can keep your pony at a livery yard, or better still, a riding school and livery yard combined, your child will have the benefit of other people who can give advice. S/he will also find friends to ride with. If there is a riding school as well so much the better as s/he can continue learning to ride, but on their own pony.
Ponies live for 30 years plus - many are still ridden in the 30s (we know of a riding school pony who is still teaching children to ride at age 39!). You can buy ponies in their teens who are experienced and may well help your child learn to ride. Always buy a pony that your child can control NOW, not one they 'will grow into'.
If you can keep your pony at a livery yard, or better still, a riding school and livery yard combined, your child will have the benefit of other people who can give advice. S/he will also find friends to ride with. If there is a riding school as well so much the better as s/he can continue learning to ride, but on their own pony.
Ponies live for 30 years plus - many are still ridden in the 30s (we know of a riding school pony who is still teaching children to ride at age 39!). You can buy ponies in their teens who are experienced and may well help your child learn to ride. Always buy a pony that your child can control NOW, not one they 'will grow into'.
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